In fiscal year 2023–2024, Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC) served 202 individuals from 51 households through the HousingWORKs program, helping families in San Joaquin County avoid homelessness. Funded by First 5 San Joaquin and CDSS, HousingWORKs assists CalWORKs families facing eviction by offering rental assistance, landlord mediation, benefit applications, and referrals.
77% of participants were from historically underserved racial and ethnic groups, and 64% were able to stay in their housing after entering the program. All surveyed participants said TCCC’s support helped them avoid eviction, and 100% were satisfied with their experience. Services focused on helping families resolve “Notices to Pay Rent or Quit,” stabilize their housing, and connect with community resources.
TCCC’s hands-on support model offering financial aid, landlord negotiation, and personalized referrals makes a lasting impact, securing real stability in moments of crisis.
We’re proud to share that we were awarded the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year for California’s Senate District 5. It is a recognition that shines a bright spotlight on the tireless work our team has been doing in the Tracy community since 2015.
This honor was announced by Senator Jerry McNerney, who selected TCCC for our efforts in tackling homelessness, providing housing support, and offering crucial social services to our most vulnerable neighbors. TCCC was formally recognized at the California Nonprofits Day celebration on May 21 at the State Capitol in Sacramento. The annual event, hosted by CalNonprofits, brings together nonprofit leaders and elected officials from across the state to celebrate the vital impact of community organizations.
Our Executive Director Carrie Grover and Board Chair Stephanie Burrell-Hammer were proud to accept the award in person. “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners who work tirelessly to support the most vulnerable members of our community,” Grover said.
This award reflects the partnerships, community support, and local collaboration that power TCCC’s mission. Since opening our doors, we’ve served hundreds of individuals and families with free showers, clean laundry, hygiene products, case management, and resource navigation. We meet people where they are, without judgment, and walk beside them as they take steps toward stability.
This recognition also affirms what we already know: that real, lasting change starts at the local level. Our programs work because they’re built with community in mind, connecting people to housing, health services, and a support network that doesn’t disappear when the paperwork is done.
Being named Nonprofit of the Year won’t change our focus. We’re here, day in and day out, doing the work. But it does give us a moment to celebrate with you, our community, the progress we’ve made and the partnerships that make it possible.
We’re honored. We’re grateful. And we’re just getting started.
If you’d like to join us as a sponsor, get involved, or support our work in other ways, reach out. There’s still more to do, and we’re always stronger when we do it together.
Our mission to support individuals experiencing homelessness in Tracy is made possible through the unwavering generosity of our donors and partners. Their contributions – whether financial, in-kind, or collaborative – are the lifeblood of our programs, enabling us to provide essential services such as case management, emergency shelter, hygiene facilities, and comprehensive care coordination.
Each of these partners plays a vital role in our collective effort to create a more compassionate and supportive community. Their commitment not only sustains our current initiatives but also inspires future programs aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness.
To all our donors and supporters: thank you for standing with us. Your partnership is a beacon of hope for many, and together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
We are deeply grateful for the support of the following organizations:
Our Valued Donors & Supporters
Our 2024 Annual Report is now available. Flip through to see our impact on the Tracy community. Note the 156% increase in unsheltered individuals from 2022 to 2024 – making services like ours even more essential at this crucial time.
When you cross paths with people experiencing homelessness, you might wonder: How can I actually help?
At Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), we work directly with our unhoused neighbors, and we’ve learned what truly makes a difference. If you want to help, here’s what we urge you to keep in mind.
DO: Connect People to Local Resources
Handing someone a dollar or a snack might help in the short term, but the most meaningful support comes from connecting people to long-term resources. Tracy Community Connections Center offers case management, help with IDs, disability and Medi-Cal applications, rental assistance, free showers, laundry, and connections to medical care, mental health services, and housing options.
If you meet someone in need, refer them to us. Our office is located on 95 W. 11th Street, and we’re open Monday–Friday. Giving someone a card, address, or even offering to help them get to our office can change their path.
DON’T: Assume You Know Their Story
It’s easy to jump to conclusions: They just don’t want to work. They’re dangerous. They’re addicts. The reality is far more complex. Many of the people we serve at TCCC became homeless after job loss, medical debt, eviction, or escaping unsafe relationships. Others struggle with mental health conditions without proper care.
Instead of judging or making assumptions, approach every person with dignity. Remember, you only see a snapshot of their life.
DO: Prioritize Safety and Boundaries
If you want to help, do it in a way that’s safe for both you and the person you’re supporting. Give food, water, hygiene supplies, or information, but don’t invite strangers into your home or give out personal details. If someone needs emergency assistance, like shelter, medical help, or mental health crisis support, call TCCC or local services for guidance.
DON’T: Give Large Sums of Cash
This might feel controversial, but we’re direct about it: cash is not always the best way to help. While it might meet an immediate need, it often doesn’t connect people to the long-term services they need to exit homelessness.
Instead, consider donating to organizations like TCCC. Your contributions go directly toward motel stays, food deliveries, transportation to appointments, and case management that changes lives.
DO: Treat People Like People
Say hello. Make eye contact. Acknowledge someone’s presence. One of the biggest things our clients tell us is how invisible they feel – passed by, ignored, treated like a nuisance.
A moment of connection, even just a “Good morning,” can restore a bit of dignity. That human recognition matters.
DON’T: Go It Alone
Addressing homelessness is not something you can solve on your own. It takes a network of services, organizations, volunteers, donors, and community advocates.
If you’re serious about helping, get involved. Volunteer at TCCC. Donate supplies. Spread the word about our services. Advocate for affordable housing in Tracy. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate city.
